Sit on it, Potsie

Gil Cates, who is producing the Oscar telecast this year for the 13th time, explained why the Academy chose Jon Stewart as this year's host:

Mr. Cates said he selected Mr. Stewart, 43, in consultation with the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Asked to synthesize Mr. Stewart's appeal, Mr. Cates, 71, said, "He's hip, he's with-it, he's 'today.' "

He elaborated that Mr. Stewart was one "hep cat," and that he was "gear" and "fab" and "groovy" all rolled into one, and that he was the opposite of a "jive turkey."

He further added, "23 skidooo!"